Apostille for Greek authorities
What does the Hague Apostille Convention say?
Immigration to Greece – be it for work, family, Golden Visa, or retirement – requires watertight documents. Greek authorities often – but not always – demand apostilles. This section explains the Hague Apostille Convention (1961) specifically for your journey to Hellas. This way, you avoid delays in Athens or elsewhere!
What is an Apostille? Core Rules for Greece
Greece has been a member (since 1986) along with 126 other states. Key points:
Confirms formal authenticity: An apostille verifies the signature, seal, and official capacity (Article 3). Not the content – e.g., whether your birth certificate is correct is checked by the declaration itself.
Direct validity in Greece: Apostilled documents from other member states are valid without further steps (Article 1). No consulate needed!
Tip for Greece: Obtain apostilles from the Cantonal Authority.
Who requires an Apostille in Greece?
Greek authorities must check them for foreign documents (indirectly from Articles 1/3):
Public authorities: Declarations (for residence), SEPEP (Immigration Services), courts, tax offices (AADE)
Also notaries and municipalities (Dimarchia) for marriages
Private: Employers or real estate companies (e.g., Golden Visa) may require them, but are not bound by the convention
Universities require them for diplomas, but are not bound by the convention
Which documents for Greek immigration?
Public documents (Article 1) that Greek authorities need:
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, family status certificates
Criminal record certificates (for visas/Blue Card).
Court judgments, notarial powers of attorney.
Proof of income
Proof of health insurance
Greece-Specific: For Golden Visa, apostilled purchase agreements; translations must be certified (see next section).
Limitations – Greece-specific pitfalls
Only foreign documents: Greek documents do not need an apostille in Greece.
EU advantage: Documents from EU states are often apostille-free (Regulation 2016/1191), but they are sometimes still requested – always check!